Ben Daniels, who starred in Cutting It, is the current favourite to be the next Doctor Who Credit: EMPICS Entertainment

There are suggestions that a woman could take charge of the Tardis for the first time, with Billie Piper 16-1 to land the role and Bafta winner and Broadchurch star Olivia Colman priced at 25-1, according to William Hill.

The betting firm said it was "only be a matter of time before a woman pilots the Tardis."